‘Statement of intent’ – Saudis sign teen star Meite

As the transfer window comes to a close, one move that has gone under the radar is Al-Hilal’s signing of Rennes’ teenage striker Mohamed Kader Meite.

The 18-year-old Frenchman has joined the Saudi Pro League club for a reported 30m euros (£25.9m), which makes him the second-highest non-Premier League signing of the transfer window, only beaten by Lucas Paqueta’s return to Flamengo from West Ham United.

Meite has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, despite reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs after impressing in France’s Ligue 1.

“It is notable because Manchester United were reportedly linked before Al-Hilal’s huge bid got the deal done,” Football Transfers’ Paul MacDonald told BBC Sport.

“It also solidifies the Saudis’ statement of intent. They are going to go big on young talent this summer and Meite’s purchase is the first domino to fall.”

Meite, who is French-born but of Ivorian descent, came through Rennes’ youth set-up before breaking into the first team and signing his first professional contract at the club in November 2024.

The forward made his senior debut shortly after, as a substitute in a 2-0 league defeat by Toulouse, and has since made 32 appearances for the club – scoring five goals and registering two assists.

Meite has also represented France at four different youth levels.

“He is a wonderful talent,” said French football expert Julien Laurens. “It is a bit of a shame that he has gone to Saudi Arabia, but the money they offered was good for him.

“I don’t think he will stay there for long – he will end up in the Premier League at some point.

“Maybe a few English clubs thought ‘Let’s see how he does in another environment before we bring him to the Premier League’ – but he does have huge potential.”

Laurens also described Meite as a “modern number nine” who is “strong, quick, hungry and good on the ball”.

He is not the only player heading out of Rennes though, with the club closing in on another high-value sale.